College Football

Howard hopes to bounce back

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:54 p.m. ET

foxsports

(STATS) - After averaging six wins from 2011-14, the Howard football program is hoping last year's 1-10 season was the exception.

The Bison will try to get back on track in an 11-game schedule this year.

Howard will open the season with back-to-back games against FBS programs, Maryland (Sept. 3) and Rutgers (Sept. 10).

Then comes another highlight on the schedule as the Bison face Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Hampton in the Nation's Football Classic on Sept. 17 at RFK Stadium in Washington.

Another "classic" is likely on tap against MEAC program Morgan State on Sept. 24 as the New York Urban League Classic has announced the matchup for Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Howard administration still has to approve the site, however.

After paying a visit to MEAC member Norfolk State on Oct. 1, the Bison will play their final non-conference opponent by hosting Monmouth on Oct. 8 at Greene Stadium.

Five MEAC games follow as Howard hosts South Carolina State (Oct. 15) and North Carolina A&T (Oct. 22), visits Savannah State (Oct. 29) and North Carolina Central (Nov. 12), and hosts Delaware State (Nov. 19).

Coach Gary Harrell's Bison are expected to return 16 starters (seven on offense, nine on defense).

2016 Howard Schedule

Sept. 3, at Maryland

Sept. 10, at Rutgers

Sept. 17, Hampton* (RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.)

Sept. 24, at Morgan State* (tentative: Met Life Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.)

Oct. 1, at Norfolk State*

Oct. 8, Monmouth

Oct. 15, South Carolina State*

Oct. 22, North Carolina A&T*

Oct. 29, at Savannah State*

Nov. 12, at North Carolina Central*